AUBURN – Y. Roger Fontaine, 87, formerly of 82 Loring Avenue, Auburn, passed away at Clover Nursing Home, June 28, after an extended illness.

He was born in Auburn on March 8, 1920, the son of Antonio and Antoinette Parent Fontaine. In June of 1947 he married Jeanne Daigle, who passed away on March 21, 1984. In February 1989, he married the former Theresa Thibault. He graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of ’39, and went on to become a successful, self-made individual.

He had an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sgt. after serving overseas during World War II. After the war, he started working at Lewiston Sun Journal as a photographer and a layout artist. The bulk of his career spanning over three decades was as the Sun Journal’s advertising director and business manager. During that time, the newspaper experienced major growth and expansion as a result of Roger’s creativity, vision and drive. He was also very involved in the community. His activities included the Lewiston-Auburn Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, as a Dale Carnegie trainer, and spearheading a fundraiser for Cynthia Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center at Central Maine Medical Center. In addition, he was very actively involved in efforts to clean the Androscoggin River with the creation and implementation of the Auburn-Lewiston Water Treatment Plant. Always athletic, he was a star pitcher at ELHS and an avid Red Sox fan. He loved sports and excelled at many, besides baseball, including golf, swimming, skiing and basketball. He had a special passion for the beach and the ocean, especially during the 20-plus years he owned property at Old Orchard Beach. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his second wife, Theresa; his son, Paul and his wife, Elizabeth; daughters, Joline and her partner, Elisa Adams, and Michele her partner, Rebecca Hyde; a stepdaughter, Deborah Taylor; two sisters, Florette Fontaine and Jacqueline Culina; a sister-in-law, Antoinette Charette; grandchildren, April and Anthony Fontaine; and a great-granddaughter, Hayley Fontaine.

Besides his parents and first wife, he was predeceased by a brother, Larry.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice Services and Clover Healthcare for the all care and support they gave Roger during his final illness.